The Perfect Soju And Beer Pairing: A Beginner's Guide

Soju is a Korean spirit traditionally made from the grains of rice, wheat, or barley. It is often mixed with beer to make a cocktail called Somaek. The cocktail is made by mixing a few shots of soju into a light beer. The generally accepted golden ratio for this cocktail is 3:7, three parts soju to seven parts beer. However, the ratio can vary depending on the company and preference, from gentle 1:9 mixes to stronger 50/50 combinations. The cocktail can be made in a glass by pouring the soju first and then topping it off with beer, or by dropping a shot of soju into a glass of beer, a method called poktan-ju or bomb alcohol.

The ideal ratio of soju to beer is debated, but a widely accepted ratio is 3:7

The ideal ratio of soju to beer is a topic of much debate in Korea. The "golden ratio" is said to be 30% soju to 70% beer, or a ratio of 3:7. This ratio is widely accepted, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and the ratio can vary depending on personal preference and desired alcohol intake.

To make a soju and beer cocktail, start by filling a glass with your choice of lager. A light lager or light Korean beer is typically used, such as Cass or Hite, which are popular options in Korea. Fill the glass about three-quarters full with beer. Then, add a shot or two of soju. The amount of soju added can be adjusted to taste, but for the 3:7 ratio, a shot or two should suffice.

Once the soju is added, tap the bottom of the glass with a stirrer to combine the soju's alcohol with the carbonation of the beer. This creates a refreshing, crisp, and easy-to-drink cocktail. The soju smooths out the grainy edges of the beer, bringing out its sweetness, while the beer tempers the strength of the soju.

The soju and beer cocktail is known as "somaek" in Korea, a portmanteau of the words "soju" and "maekju" (the Korean word for beer). It is a popular drink in Korea, often served at dinners and parties, and is said to be more refined than a bomb shot and less strong than a boilermaker.

The cocktail is called a Somaek, a portmanteau of soju and maekju (Korean for beer)

Somaek can be made in a similar fashion to other cocktails like the Boilermaker or Irish Car Bomb, with the soju poured into the glass first and topped up with beer. Alternatively, it can be made like a Jägerbomb or Depth Charge, with the soju dropped into the beer. This method of mixing the cocktail is called poktan-ju ("bomb alcohol") in Korea.

There are also various ways to drink Somaek, such as the Hurricane, where you fill a glass with your desired ratio of soju and beer, cover the top with a tissue, and sharply twist your wrist to mix the contents and create a swirl. The Air Force One is another variation that requires you to fill two glasses with your preferred ratio of soju and beer and drink from one glass while simultaneously pouring the contents of the other glass into it without spilling.

Soju is a Korean liquor similar to vodka, with half the alcohol content

Soju is a clear, colourless Korean liquor, similar in taste to vodka but with half the alcohol content. It is usually consumed neat, but it can also be mixed with beer to make a cocktail called somaek.

Somaek is a popular Korean beer cocktail, pairing a light lager with soju. The name is a portmanteau of the words "soju" and "maekju" (Korean for beer). There are no rigid rules for mixing the two drinks, and the ratio is up to the person making the cocktail. However, a 3:7 ratio of soju to beer is considered the "golden ratio" by many. To make a somaek, fill a glass three-quarters full with lager, top it off with a shot or two of soju, and tap the bottom of the glass with a stirrer to allow the alcohol to combine with the carbonation of the beer.

Soju is traditionally made by distilling alcohol from fermented rice. However, in the 1960s, the South Korean government banned the use of rice in soju due to shortages, so distillers began using sweet potatoes and other starches instead. Today, soju is typically crafted from grains and starches like barley, sweet potatoes, and tapioca. It is often called "Korean vodka" due to its smooth, mild, and mostly neutral flavour. Soju's alcohol content can vary from 12.5% to 53% ABV, but it typically falls between 19% and 25% ABV, which is higher than beer and wine.

In Korean drinking culture, the youngest person at the table pours and refills everyone's glasses, and it is customary to accept the glass with both hands as a sign of respect. It is also considered rude to pour a drink for yourself.

The cocktail can be made similarly to a Boilermaker or Irish Car Bomb

The Soju Bomb, also known as Somaek, is a cocktail that combines soju and beer. It is a popular Korean drink that is often served in a unique way, creating a "bomb" effect. The cocktail can be made similarly to a Boilermaker or Irish Car Bomb, where the soju and beer are mixed together.

To make a Soju Bomb, you'll need soju, a Korean spirit typically made from rice, wheat, or barley, and beer, preferably a light lager-style beer such as Cass, Hite, Budweiser, or Heineken. The key to a successful Soju Bomb is achieving the perfect ratio of soju to beer. The generally accepted ratio in Korea is 3:7, with three parts soju to seven parts beer. However, this ratio can vary depending on personal preference, ranging from gentle 1:9 mixes to stronger 50/50 combinations.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making a Soju Bomb:

• Fill a shot glass with soju.
• Pour beer into a glass, filling it about halfway.
• Carefully drop the shot glass of soju into the beer glass. This creates the "bomb" effect, with the glass of soju sinking into the beer and causing a fizzy explosion of flavour.
• For added effect and to increase the fizz, you can put a metal spoon or chopstick in the middle of the glass and tap it.
• Drink the Soju Bomb quickly to fully experience the "bomb" effect.

The Soju Bomb is known for its unique taste, combining the crisp, refreshing flavour of beer with the smooth and slightly sweet taste of soju. It is light, fizzy, and easy to drink, making it a popular choice for social gatherings and parties in Korea. The ritual of drinking Soju Bombs often involves drinking games, toasts, and group cheers, adding to the fun and camaraderie of the experience.

The cocktail is a popular drink among Korean businessmen

The cocktail, or "Somaek", is a popular drink among Korean businessmen. It is a mixture of beer and soju, a clear Korean liquor similar to vodka that is smoother, milder, and cheaper than whiskey. The cocktail is often served in Korean-style beer glasses ranging from 200ml to 250ml in size. There is no rigid rule for mixing soju and beer, and the ratio is usually left to the drinker's preference. However, a widely accepted golden ratio is 3:7, with three parts soju to seven parts beer. This ratio is said to bring out the sweetness of the beer, smoothen the grainy edges of the soju, and make the drink easy to sip.

Somaek can be made in different ways, such as the Boilermaker or the Irish Car Bomb, but the most common method is to simply mix a few shots of soju into a light beer. The type of beer typically used is a light lager, such as Hite or Cass, which are popular in Korea. The cocktail can also be made more like a Jägerbomb or a Depth Charge, where a shot of soju is dropped into a glass of beer. This method is called "poktan-ju" in Korea and creates a fun visual effect.

During drinking sessions, it is customary for people to take turns manufacturing the cocktail for the whole group. Glasses are swapped around, and it is common to drink from a glass that has been touched by multiple people. There are also various ways to drink Somaek, such as the "Hurricane", where a tissue is placed on top of the glass, and the wrist is sharply twisted to create a swirl inside. This is said to resemble a miniature hurricane, hence the name. Another variation is the "Hole-in-one", where the glass is almost completely filled with beer and soju, and the drinker attempts to finish it in one gulp.

The popularity of Somaek among Korean businessmen may be due to its accessibility and affordability. Soju is the choice of the masses, and its mild flavour pairs well with the light Korean beers. The cocktail is also a fun and social activity, with the manufacturing and drinking process often involving group participation and creating a sense of camaraderie.

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